You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-13.
Los Angeles building permits
VerifiedLos Angeles, California — as published 2026-09-13.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
VerifiedThe general LADBS building permit. A permit from LADBS is required for any private property construction, alteration, or repair work on buildings within the City of Los Angeles.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Requirements
- Route depends on complexity, in the City's own terms: 'Permits for simple projects that require a plan check can be issued over the counter through a Counter Plan Check process.'
- 'Permits for modest projects like multi-floor tenant improvements and medium-sized home additions.'
- 'Permits for large, complex projects are issued through a Regular Plan Check process.'
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Calculated per project by the City's Permit Fee Calculator; no schedule is published | Los Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. Show full citationHideLos Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. The City publishes a Permit Fee Calculator, which identifies itself as the 'Plan Check Fee Estimate System' and states: 'The fee amounts calculated using this application are estimates based on the current fee ordinance and are subject to change without notice. Final fees will be determined when the application is submitted.' No figure is recorded here because the City publishes an estimator rather than a table. |
Electrical Permit (including Solar Photovoltaic)
VerifiedLADBS issues electrical permits, and its own naming folds rooftop solar into this category rather than a separate photovoltaic permit.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Requirements
- The City's homeowner questionnaire lists this as 'Electrical Permit (including Solar Photovoltaic)'.
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Calculated per project by the City's Permit Fee Calculator; no schedule is published | Los Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. Show full citationHideLos Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. The City publishes a Permit Fee Calculator, which identifies itself as the 'Plan Check Fee Estimate System' and states: 'The fee amounts calculated using this application are estimates based on the current fee ordinance and are subject to change without notice. Final fees will be determined when the application is submitted.' No figure is recorded here because the City publishes an estimator rather than a table. |
Mechanical Permit (Elevator, Fire Sprinkler, HVAC, or Plumbing)
VerifiedLADBS groups elevator, fire sprinkler, HVAC and plumbing work under a single Mechanical Permit rather than issuing a separate plumbing permit.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Requirements
- The City's homeowner questionnaire lists this as 'Mechanical Permit (Elevator, Fire Sprinkler, HVAC, or Plumbing)'.
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Calculated per project by the City's Permit Fee Calculator; no schedule is published | Los Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. Show full citationHideLos Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. The City publishes a Permit Fee Calculator, which identifies itself as the 'Plan Check Fee Estimate System' and states: 'The fee amounts calculated using this application are estimates based on the current fee ordinance and are subject to change without notice. Final fees will be determined when the application is submitted.' No figure is recorded here because the City publishes an estimator rather than a table. |
Express Permit (no plan check)
VerifiedLA's route for work that needs a permit but no plan review. In the City's words: 'Permits for simple projects, which do not require plan check. Can be done on-line.'
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Requirements
- Available online through the City's permit services.
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Calculated per project by the City's Permit Fee Calculator; no schedule is published | Los Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. Show full citationHideLos Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. The City publishes a Permit Fee Calculator, which identifies itself as the 'Plan Check Fee Estimate System' and states: 'The fee amounts calculated using this application are estimates based on the current fee ordinance and are subject to change without notice. Final fees will be determined when the application is submitted.' No figure is recorded here because the City publishes an estimator rather than a table. |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedAn Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, separate living space on the same property as a single-family home. Los Angeles regulates ADUs under Ordinance 186,481.
Verified 2026-09-13 · Source
Requirements
- Per the City: 'three types of ADU’s have been defined to include: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and Movable Tiny Houses'.
Required documents
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan check and permit fees | Calculated per project by the City's Permit Fee Calculator; no schedule is published | Los Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. Show full citationHideLos Angeles publishes no static permit fee schedule. The City publishes a Permit Fee Calculator, which identifies itself as the 'Plan Check Fee Estimate System' and states: 'The fee amounts calculated using this application are estimates based on the current fee ordinance and are subject to change without notice. Final fees will be determined when the application is submitted.' No figure is recorded here because the City publishes an estimator rather than a table. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-13.
Fee schedules
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Los Angeles building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.